Recent US military action in Venezuela is facing criticism, with the chair of the UK’s Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, Dame Emily Thornberry, stating the strikes breach international law and are “unacceptable.” The action saw the seizure of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife over the weekend.
International Law Concerns
Dame Emily Thornberry, the most senior Labour MP to publicly critique the strikes, told BBC Radio 4’s Westminster Hour that she “cannot think of anything that could be a proper justification” for the US action. She argued that the UK and its allies must collectively condemn such breaches of international law, drawing a parallel to condemnation of similar actions by Russia’s Vladimir Putin.
Thornberry warned that the US action could embolden Russia and China, suggesting it could reinforce the idea that these nations have “spheres of influence” where intervention by others is unwarranted. She specifically referenced concerns that Putin might justify actions in Ukraine and Xi Jinping might do the same regarding Taiwan.
UK Government Response and Political Divisions
The UK government has not yet declared whether the US action was illegal, maintaining that the US must provide the legal basis for its intervention. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has avoided directly condemning the strikes, stating the US would “have to justify the action it has taken,” while also noting that Maduro was an “illegitimate president.”
Opposition parties are divided. While the Liberal Democrats, Green Party, and Scottish National Party have criticized the strikes, some Conservative MPs believe it is “totally understandable” the US would act against Venezuela, citing Maduro’s previous disregard for international law. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage suggested the action, while unorthodox, could serve as a deterrent to China and Russia.
Venezuela’s Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez is due to be sworn in as interim president following Maduro’s removal. The UN Security Council, where the UK holds permanent membership, is currently meeting to discuss the operation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the US action in Venezuela legal?
Dame Emily Thornberry stated the strikes were “not a legal action,” but the UK government has not yet made a determination, awaiting the US to present its legal justification.
What is Sir Keir Starmer’s position on the US action?
Sir Keir Starmer has not condemned the US strikes, stating the US must justify its actions, but also acknowledged Maduro was an “illegitimate president.”
What are the potential consequences of the US action?
Dame Emily Thornberry warned the action could embolden Russia and China, potentially reinforcing the idea that these nations have spheres of influence where intervention by others is unacceptable.
As the situation unfolds, will the UK government clarify its position on the legality of the US intervention, and how might this impact future international relations?
